Strengthening our Disabled Leadership with Paula Tesoriero, Chief Executive of Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People
This is an exclusive opportunity for our Te Pai Ora SSPA members to attend a presentation with Paula Tesoriero, Chief Executive of Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People, along with other Whaikaha disability leaders. They will provide their lived experience responses to disability issues. There will also be opportunities for some Q&A.
Throughout her kōrero, Paula will use her own leadership journey through sport, the public service and roles in the disability community to share what she has learnt in growing disability leadership. Paula will identify some key disability leadership issues and opportunities that need to be considered.
The session will explore the importance of driving real and meaningful change with disabled people, tāngata whaikaha Māori and their whānau and how everyone has a responsibility in this.
Paula Tesoriero MNZM PLY, Chief Executive of Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha
Paula is the Chief Executive of Whaikaha, leading efforts to drive meaningful change for disabled people, tāngata whaikaha Māori, and their whānau. A respected leader in the disability community, she is disabled herself and has deep insight into the challenges faced.
Previously, Paula served as the Disability Rights Commissioner at the Human Rights Commission from 2017 and acted as Chief Human Rights Commissioner in 2018-2019. She has extensive public service experience, including roles at the Ministry of Justice and Statistics New Zealand.
Paula has held governance positions with Peke Waihanga, Nuku Ora, and Paralympics NZ. A Paralympian, she won a gold and two bronze medals at the 2008 Beijing Games.
